The Viral Gratitude Tablecloth Tradition You Can Try This Thanksgiving

Whether you are just starting your own family or looking to grow established traditions, the viral “gratitude tablecloth” idea is a simple way to bring a little love and thankfulness to the table this Thanksgiving.

A gratitude tablecloth is an idea that came to be many years ago but has recently taken off in popularity. The idea behind it is simple: grab a light-colored tablecloth, and each year, as family and friends gather around the turkey, stuffing, and all the fixings, ask them to write what they are grateful for in Sharpie on the tablecloth and sign their name. For little ones too small to write, they can trace their hands or include a little piece of “abstract” art.

Sometimes called a gratefulness or a thankfulness tablecloth, these colorful tablecloths are more than just a creative craft. They’re a heartwarming reminder of loved ones and the constant change that life brings.

A quick scroll through TikTok or Instagram and you can find hundreds of different iterations of the popular tradition, from the more temporary to the long-lasting. Nicole Fergeson dresses her table with paper and allows the kiddos to draw with crayons, while this family has written on a white tablecloth with Sharpies for years, simply throwing it in the wash afterward.

“This made me realize my ex’s family has been seeing my name on their table at Thanksgiving every year lol,” joked one commenter. “This is genuinely the most heartwarming thing I’ve ever seen, and I hope I can do it with my future family and friends,” added another.

For those looking for a longer-lasting solution, Bridget Troy suggests embroidering the names into the cloth. TikTok user Kate Bast covers hers each year with a clear plastic tablecloth to keep the underlying one away from messy eaters.

However you choose to create and save your gratitude tablecloth this year, the important part is taking that first step to start a new tradition! Looking for even more unique rituals to incorporate into your holiday fun? Check out these 12 Fun Holiday Traditions for the Whole Family.